It's all in a Name

We felt it was important to jump right in and choose a name for the sake of the kids, especially Caitlin being so young. I believe it makes it more real for them to process when they have a name to identify with. We have talked about Grace for so long, and with Layla coming home before Grace, God willing, we felt we better get them on board as soon as possible. We came to choose the name Layla after I was researching the web for Ethiopian adoption blogs and I came across a beautiful book titled "The Faces of Layla". The name Layla just seemed to jump off the page at me. We had been discussing names, never agreeing on any until Layla. Her middle name Karen is after my mother who passed this last April. She had a heart for Africa, so it seemed so right!!

Here we go again!!

Well here we go again! I must be a glutten because I have just recovered from the paperchase from China and now we are moving forward with an adoption from Ethiopia. I believe it will be easier the second time around as it always is. At least the paperchase part. The emotional side, well that's a whole another issue. I plan on taking it day by day and trusting in the Lord for what's best and when it's best for our family. With the wait time's in China extending out to 2-3 more years for our baby Grace to come home we feel led to bring in another angel so not to have a huge gap between the kids. This time from Ethiopia. Why Ethiopia? It wasn't even on the list of programs when we began the adoption roller coaster 2 years ago, but it seems so right. Not as an after thought, but want was intended for us all along. I believe it's my mother's hand from Heaven moving us into this journey to fullfilling her dream of seeing Africa, she loved Africa passionately, but was never able to make it. In addition, she had a heart for the people and believed strongly in helping and loving all of God's children. There is definitely a need being there are 4.5 million orphans in Africa, in need of loving families. So we hope to be blessed enough to take the number of orphans down by one. I am anxious, excited, overjoyed and the road ahead! So bring it on, the good, the bad and the invetible wait, for I have the strength of the Lord behind me.